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Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, on Saturday called on the government to end the law on changes to the court, saying the bitter dispute over the move posed a danger to the country.
“Deeper divisions have entered the military and defense institutions – this is a clear, immediate and real danger to Israel’s security,” Gallant said in a brief televised statement.
Israel has been gripped by mass protests since the government announced plans for the trial in January.
Gallant has previously voiced concern about the wave of Israelis who have promised not to listen to call-ups for military reserve duty if the reforms continue, saying that could weaken war-readiness and national cohesion.
Steadfast opposition to reform
The judicial overhaul also raised concerns abroad about the health of Israel’s democracy. A senior official at the Ministry of Finance warned this week of the economic backlash. Gallant said he supports reforming the justice system but that it needs to be done with broad consensus.
Opposition to the plan does not appear to have weakened, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge this week to enshrine civil liberties and minority rights in law and postpone some reform chapters during the parliament’s April recess.
However, his coalition still aims to write one bill into law before April 2, when lawmakers break for the spring recess.
Gallant’s statement showed cracks in Netanyahu’s coalition, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calling on the prime minister to fire Gallant shortly after his remarks.
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